Application Fee (Required)
$65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
$80 for international students.
English Proficiency Test (Required)
This program uses the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency Score Requirements and Minimum Scores for Regular Admission.
Minimum Scores for Regular Admission
TOEFL iBT: 4.5 (no sub score less than 4) (or 79 for students who took the test prior to January 2026)
IELTS: 6.5 (no sub score less than 6)
Duolingo English Test: 120 (no sub score less than 110)
PTE: 59
More information is available at https://graduate.ua.edu/applicants/international-students/.
Letter of Recommendation (3 Required)
Three letters of recommendation consistent with goals of the program. An applicant to a College of Education program that leads to professional certification must submit references from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant's academic and professional capabilities.
Statement of Purpose (Required)
Most statements of purpose are 1-2 pages long and should describe your background, reasons for attending your chosen graduate program and post-graduation goals. If you have questions regarding content or format, please contact your prospective program.
Transcript (Required)
Please upload an unofficial transcript for any institution of higher education at which you have completed 15 or more credit hours. Please include a grading scheme if your university does not use a letter-based (e.g. A, A-, B) grading scheme.
Additional Requirements (not listed) (Recommended)
The department offers a traditional Class A program for those with an appropriate prerequisite certification in Elementary Education (or an approved equivalent). This program leads to Alabama Class A certification in Elementary Education (K-6).
Alternative Class A Program (Nontraditional, Initial Teacher Certification)
The department offers an Alternative Class A program that does not require prior certification in a teaching field. This program leads to Alabama Class A certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Early Childhood (P-3) and is designed to allow individuals with undergraduate degrees in non-teaching fields to enter the field of education.
Through the Office of International Programs, the department offers an Overseas MA program at the Westhill Institute in Mexico City for eligible overseas students only. The Overseas program is a non-certification program, and completion of the program does not lead to professional educator licensure or certification.
Admission requirements vary depending on which path you choose. For more please visit the catalog link.